Quantitative Collection Of Total Inorganic Atmospheric Nitrate On Nylon Filters

Quantitative collection of total inorganic atmospheric nitrate, i.e., gaseous nitric acid (HONO2) and particulate nitrate (NO− 3) on nylon filters is demonstrated on the basis of field studies conducted during Los Angeles smog episodes (NO3 = 1–44 pg m−3, HONO2=1–36 μg m−3, total nitrate = 5–47 μg m−3, T = 10–33°C, RH = 16–99%, ozone up to 460 ppb) and involving side-by-side comparison of nylon filters and dual Teflon-nylon filter units. Other potential applications of nylon filters to atmospheric sampling are briefly discussed.